Bridge Creek Wilderness

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the Bridge Creek Wilderness (map) in 1984 and it now has a total of 5,357 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Forest Service.

Description

Bridge Creek drains northeasterly from the edge of the summit of the Ochoco Mountains, essentially dividing the Wilderness into two meadow-filled plateaus. The peaks of East Point and North Point look across this small Wilderness from 6,625 feet and 6,607 feet, respectively. The view from North Point's 600-foot cliff face is particularly breathtaking.

Most of the 30 inches of annual precipitation falls as winter snow on a forest dominated by fir and larch with streaks of pine and clearings of sagebrush and bunchgrass. In the central core of the area, you'll find stands of white fir and lodgepole pine nearing 100 years in age. Water gurgles perennially from five springs: Thompson, Pisgah, Masterson, Nelson, and Maxwell. Mule deer and elk seek the densest thickets when hunters come in fall.

Bridge Creek is for those seeking a true wilderness adventure, as there are no maintained trails. Off-trail hiking (through a tangled understory) tends to be difficult. Wind has stunted the trees and opened the country around North Point; a hike of about 1.2 miles from near Pisgah Springs along an abandoned jeep track will take you to the summit. Another abandoned trail leads about 1.5 miles to the summit of East Point. You may very well have this area all to yourself.

In 2008 The Bridge Creek Fire burned most of the wilderness to stand replacement conditions. It is now more accessible with greater line-of-sight vistas. Please use caution as many trees have been weakened and present additional danger.

Planning to Visit the Bridge Creek Wilderness?

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Bridge Creek Wilderness.